Description: The Andean bear gets its name from the distinctive circular bands which surround its eyes and extends from cheeks to chest. The specific facial markings are individual to each bear, varying only slightly as they age. The markings are a creamy-yellowish color while the rest of the fur on the animal is anything from brown to black. Males generally weigh 220-340 pounds, and females from 140-180 pounds. They range from 60-72 inches in length, with the females being about 30% smaller than the males. They have long curved claws for digging and tearing into soil or insect mounds for food.

Behavior: Andean bears are good climbers, even climbing cacti to get at the fruit on top. They sleep in self-made tree nests, large root cavities, or on ground beds. They are one of only a few bears found south of the equator, the others being the sun bear, the sloth bear and the Asiatic black bear.

Reproduction: Females generally mature between 4-7 years. After maturity, spectacled bears mate between May and June, with litters of up to 3 cubs born between November and February. The cubs weigh 10-12 ounces at birth and will stay in the den with the mother for several months.

This species is supported by one of our Conservation Partners!Project(s): Andean Bear Conservation Alliance, Wildlife Conservation Society